Shinseki: Shutdown ‘directly threatens’ vets

The American Legion Online Update e-newsletter

Special offers and updates delivereddirectly to your e-mail inbox.

Testifying as the sole witness in an Oct. 9 House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Eric Shinseki warned Congress that if the federal government shutdown continues, millions of America’s veterans will stop receiving about $6 billion in monthly payments on Nov. 1.

Shinseki said that veterans service organizations, such as The American Legion, "have been, quite directly, helpful to me over the past four and a half years, and trying to help us understand how to be better at our responsibilities of caring for veterans, but also servicemembers and families, and survivors that we are responsible for."

The effects of the shutdown on Shinseki’s department "are negative," he said. "It is an impediment to VA’s ability to deliver services and benefits that veterans have earned through their service." Shinseki called the lapse in federal appropriations an "avoidable situation," and that veterans across the country "will be harmed if the shutdown continues."

"We understand the process and dynamic tension," said American Legion National Commander Dan Dellinger in regards to the hearing. "However, The American Legion urges Congress and the White House to stop holding America’s veterans hostage to their political standoff. We saw several members of Congress gathered last week at the World War II Memorial in Washington. They were supporting our veterans who were being kept from visiting their own memorial. We hope those same legislators are doing everything they can to end this shutdown."

Shinseki said that in the last six months, VA has reduced its disability claims backlog by about 193,000 claims, yet, the shutdown "directly threatens VA’s ability to eliminate the backlog," he said. "We’ve lost ground we fought hard to take. Roughly 1,400 veterans a day are now not receiving decisions on their disability compensation claims due to the end of overtime (for claims processors).

"If the shutdown does not end in the coming weeks, VA will not be able to assure delivery of 1 November checks to more than 5.18 million beneficiaries. And that accounts to about $6.25 billion in payments that people are expecting."

At a critical time for veterans, "everyone at VA should be focusing on how best to accomplish their missions," he said. "And so I ask the committee and the rest of Congress to help us by resolving this fiscal impasse now, so that VA and our federal partners, on whom we have to rely to do our work, can get back to work full time."

Because of the shutdown, VA was forced to furlough nearly 10,000 employees on Oct. 7 and suspend mandatory overtime for disability claims processors, who had been working at least 20 hours of mandatory overtime per month. Such overtime by claims processors has been instrumental in helping to reduce the claims backlog, which has dropped from about 611,000 claims last March to about 418,500 at the end of September, according to VA.

Funding for veterans benefits will become exhausted within two weeks, VA reports. At that point, claims processing for compensation, pension, education, vocational rehabilitation and employment benefits would be suspended. Benefits payments would also be halted for disabled veterans, their surviving spouses and eligible children. Tuition and stipends for hundreds of thousands of veterans and servicemembers would also be suspended.

"On 1 November, I will not be able to pay all these beneficiaries who are expecting those checks," Shinseki said. "I need the authorization, appropriations and a budget to be able to do that. I don’t do that independently.

"What is best for veterans, and for all of us right now, is a budget for the entire federal government. Let us get back to work. The sooner we do it, the faster I get back up to full speed."

Dellinger provided remarks about Shinseki’s testimony. "VA Secretary Shinseki gave Congress many grim details today about how the government shutdown is affecting our veterans, including the fact that millions of our nation’s veterans may not be receiving about $6 billion in benefits next month. The VA claims backlog has started to go up again. Our student veterans would also stop getting GI Bill education benefits.

"The secretary told Congress this is a critical time for veterans and that he can’t solve this dilemma independently. We agree with the secretary and urge Congress and the White House to act immediately to either end this shutdown or fund the accounts that ensure the well-being of so many of our veterans."

Other programs for veterans affected by the shutdown include the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Employment and Training Service that supports employment and counseling services for veterans. The Small Business Administration has closed 10 Veterans Business Outreach Centers nationwide and has suspended all of its programs for veterans business development and service-disabled veterans procurement. And the Department of Housing and Urban Development is no longer issuing new vouchers for homeless veterans’ housing.

VA services that are continuing during the shutdown include health services at more than 1,700 facilities across the country thanks to funding by advance appropriations for fiscal 2014. The American Legion pushed for federal legislation that resulted in such funding.

The Veterans Crisis Line, which has already accounted for about 30,000 life-saving rescues, will remain open on a 24-hour basis at (800) 273-TALK (8255). VA insurance processing and home loan processing will also continue.

For more information on how the government shutdown is affecting veterans, visit www.va.gov.

More in Veterans Benefits Center

CM D

I wish they would Impeach Obama and send his ass back to Africa in a butt flap and stick his Obamacare where the sun don't shine. Is this fool going to make my houe payment? I need my disability check as I cannot work, I have 8 stents in my heart, I'm a type 2 Diabetic, I'am taking 105 mg of Morphine a day plus oxy 4 times a day for pain, 1 mg 3 times a day of Xanax, and this is the short list. I would love to have a small part time job but who the hell would hire me? Could you see me passing a piss test?? I served my country with pride in Vietnam 67-69 and was sprayed and betrayed, and now I am being betrayed again. His ass has violated everything you can, and yet nothing has been done about it, this is not funny anymore and I am sure there is plenty of room in Leavenworth for this jerk, or Guantanamo Bay. I feel as most vets do that we are still fighting a war only this one is domestic like the oath we all took, and should be standing up for now. Lets just take back our Government and start over.

CAVGRUNT

iT IS THE tea Party that is keeping Veterans from getting their benifits so I do not know where you are getting your your info. I was drafted and sent to Nam in 65-66 and served as an Infantryman in the First Air Cav. I would like to see Ted Cruz and the rest of his rich cronies in the Zrmy. We are headed for a revolution.

JKP

How about ALL of us veterans do what we do best - Look out for our country. ALL of us get signs with big down arrows on them and assemble outside ALL congress members offices, homes, all over Washington. Constantly. Over and over. Every day. Show them they are fired. Time to take our country back.

JKP

MaximusAmericanus

Well the Veterans Administration seems to have plenty of money to run ads on TV and radio offering up employment opportunities at their hospitals, yet they can't pay us. And in Phoenix, they have the money to build parking garages, additions to the hospital, but still haven't plugged in and turned on the acres of chinese solar panels they installed years ago to cover the existing parking.

gregory clements

as a marine corps combat veteran, who, by the way , has served under 4 presidents wants to know why this is happening to us now, especially in our time of need? we have been helping so many other countries when they needed our help, where are they now that our own country needs help? stop looking to help others when we, the veterans and the U.S. needs help now.why is washington trying to outdo each other between the democrats and the republicans, aren't we all americans?

steve downs

Fred Manning

I think you need to wake up and see what is really happening at the Whitehouse. Mr. Obama is holding off negotiations until the government shuts down so he can make it look like the GOP is at fault which would be a very damaging outlook upon them. This could possibly destroy this party and then he and he alone would have all the power. He has repeatedly single handedly bit by bit destroyed what this country and all of it's veterans have fought so long to maintain. If he has his way, none of us will get the benefits we have earned. I myself am a disabled Vietnam veteran. My only sources of income are my VA disability and Social Security Disability. without those monies I will be forced to go on welfare and possibly become one of those many homeless vets whose benefits are also being cut . Mr. Obama and all of those traitors at the Whitehouse need to be fired. They are certainly not doing there jobs.

Hank Brandt

If you idiot only read newspapers that aren't liberal & obammmma lovers which aren't too many,that are AMERICAN newspapers you could see how the rebublicans are trying to get these useless democrats to pass these bills to help veterans,cancer treatments for kids,death benifits for military killed in action,also to many to tell you treader,so as an AMERICAN YOU CAN KISS MY ASS

CrazyMan

Biggin

I am currently unemployed and my disability check from the VA and my wife's SSD. With out my a check and hers we will get behind in house, car, credit cards, and local gas water and electric. Congress needs to pull their heads out of their --- and live on what the general American public does. So they know how it feels to live pay check to pay check, like 80% of Americans do now days. I am also to go back to school through the VA's Vocational Rehabilitation Program in Jan.2014.
Now I am worried that the funds to put me through school will not be available. Congress has no idea what it is like to not know where that next check is coming from . Due to they are still getting payed (or will be reimbursed after the shutdown is over). I just wonder if we will be reimbursed in back pay or not if our check are shut off. Does Congress think we are total "Idiots". I am a Combat Veteran and put my life in harms way so Congress could do this to our "Country" something does not seem correct to me.

rusty

MY HEART GOS OUT TO ALL OUR VETS I TOO AM A DISABILITY COMBAT VIET NAM VET I ALSO KNOW HOW HARD IT WAS WHEN I WAS WATING ON THE VA BENFITS, I DO BELIVE CONGRESS IS DOING ITS JOB. THE TRAIN NEEDS TO BE STOP BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE OUR GRANDKIDS AND KIDS WILL NOT HAVE A CHANCE AT LIFE THAT ALL OF US VETS WERE FIGHTING FOR. LET THE SENTER TAKE UP SOME OF THOSE BILLS THAT CONGRESS HAS SENT THEM AND THIS PART CAN BE TAKEN CARE OF AND THEY CAN MOVE ON.

steve downs

Carse

So lets see if I understand: Obama vetoed a bill that included funding the VA benefits; but he didn't veto the included VA funding, just the other parts of the bill he didn't like.
Then you insult a Vet and call him uneducated(PC for stupid).
And you also think your smarter than him because? Oh yeah, your a Democrat!

Educated

Richard Trushel

I am sick of the congress wanting to stick it to Veterans and people on SS. To blackmail to do there jobs, you notice they get there pay. I think it is to change to limit them all to 2 terms only and the people vote what there pay is to be also there benifits.

sander

Paul P.

I'm not talking about people who really deserve to use the social programs either, I live in California and see many that don't deserve a dime using them. Veterans deserve everything they get, those that do nothing (including congress)should get nothing.

Paul P

Here is a thought, if you don't pay taxes during the year you don't get to vote. To many people that live off of the welfare, section-8, and multitude of other social programs (who live better than me a fulltime, military retired tax paying worker)should not have a say in who is elected to office. The more people that vote in officials because they are promised freebies the worse it will get for the tax payer who funds the programs. There are getting to be more of the needy than the hard workers and just take a look at what you pay in taxes every year to fund them. Veterans first, welfare/other last!

JOHN JARRARD

AMEN! ANOTHER DIRECT HIT RETIRED SSG. MY 13 YEAR OLD GRANDSON HAS BETTER JUDGMENT AND BETTER SKILLS AT DEALING WITH PEOPLE THAN THESE SO CALLED "POLITICAL LEADERS." I THINK THEY SHOULD HAVE THERE PAY TAKEN AWAY, HAVE TO ESCORT THE BODIES OF OUR MEN AND WOMEN COMING BACK HOME IN A SILVER BULLET; AND CONFRONT THERE FAMILIES ON "WHY" THEY CAN'T HONOR THERE COMMITTMENT TO AMERICA. YEA, IT'S TIME FOR A CHANGE ALRIGHT. AND I PLAN TO DO MY PART TO MAKE SURE IT STARTS CHANGING. CHANGE STARTS WITH ONE PERSON. GOD BLESS YOU MY FRIEND AND ALL THE VETS WHO HAVE TO DEPEND ON PENSIONS AND DISABILITY FROM COMBAT.

sgt rick

this government is so dysfunctional. while they continue to get paid we all have to suffer, and when it ends we wont be any better off. i have a total of 160@ disability from the vietnam war even though we only get paid at 100%after all we have done in the service of our country this is what we get. no respect. our generation and the generations before have sacraficed so they can sit in washington and argue like 2 year old kids. everybody stay strong, if we can live thru the wars hopefully we can survive this travesty..Semperfi to all veterans

Jim Grant

e president is not going to stop his pay or his and his family because it puts a hardship on us the people.
He cannot blame Bush for this. As he is the one that said he would not negotiate with the GOP, which by the was has sent about 8 bills to keep the shutdown from happening, So what did the illegal do, nothing he did not sign one of the bills.
hs got us where the USA where he wants us. I hope the folks that voted for the illegal have had their fill of this tyrant d will make better decisions in014 or we can kiss the good ole usa goodbye.

RUSTY

Daniel S

I'm not a republican, and I know it is the fault of Harry Reid and the President. Business was given a one year exemption from the Affordable care Act, the Republicans are asking for the same one year for everyone and that members of Congress and the President be enrolled in this super new program. Not asking for much.

sander

Please, just shut up. Your beloved gop had an agreement with the democrats but then backed out. And just for your information, a negotiation is where each party is willing to give something in return. The gop wanted everything but was not willing to move an inch. This is on the gop, period. And quit with the moronic "illegal" crap, it further proves your ignorance.

LaOnna G.

I'm a 100% disabled veteran who is single mother of two children. Without a paycheck on the first I will wind up defaulting on all my bills and rent. I've always payed my bills on time. This could and will eventually lead me and my kids getting kicked out of our home and living on the streets. We will starve because we will have no food to eat and yes I can probably go to friends but I refuse to take food from their tables that they can barely afford. I can't go to family for help because all my family are veterans and are on disability too. This shutdown is going to destroy my family. I can honestly say that I have lost all faith in my government. You have proven that you care for no one but yourselves. Those that have stood up for the people I give you Thanks for what you are doing. I will not vote for anyone to return to office. I say we fire everyone and start anew. Let's start looking for people who care (if there are any left). Let's get the old group out as fast as possible and get the new group in. Heck I say put a majority of veterans in office. We know what it means to fight for our country and it's people.

Lars

I agree! I say only have citizenship for Veterans and Civil Servants who dedicate a minimum of 2 years to this country and its' people, that includes the right to vote or hold office. Everyone else would have a legal resident status and would no longer be involved -babies need to be cared for, not running the country, reduce them to sheeple status. Citizenship for Service is the way to go.

JOHN JARRARD

I WILL NOT VOTE FOR ANY INCUBENT IN THE NEXT ELECTION REGARDLES IF THEY ARE REPULICAN OR DEMOCRAT! I'M SICK AND TIRED OF THERE USELESS BRICKERING AND FIGHTING. I THINK IT'S TIME WE TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK FROM THE HANDS OF ELECTED OFFICALS WHO HAVE BECOME NOTHING MORE THAN PROFESSIONAL CON ARTIST. AS A VET WHO SERVED HIS COUNTRY WITH PRIDE FROM 1968 TO 1971 THIS HAS BEEN THE MOST "DO NOTHING" CONGRESS SINCE I HAVE BEEN OF AGE TO VOTE. AS AMERICANS WE HAVE SAT ON OUR DUFF FOR TO LONG WHILE THESE POLITICIANS HAVE PASSED LAWS FOR THERE OWE GOOD AND NOT THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE. I REFUSE TO BE CALLED A LIBERAL OR CONSERVAIVE....I'M A AMERICAN WHO IS FEED UP WITH THE POWER BROKER, GIVE ME WHAT I WANT OF ELES, FIRST GRADE MENTALITY OF "ALL" OUR POLITICAL LEADERS. AND PERHAPS THIS IS THE REAL PROBLEM IN AMERICA, "WE HAVE NO REAL LEADERS ANY MORE!!

Don Mackaravitz

Rich Reitz, Retired Army SSG

Amen to that, brother. I served for 26 years and I'm also sick and tired of a government that treats us former military personnel like dirt. I'm currently having medical problems because of a "supposedly safe" anthrax vaccine. Why does our government use our military as human guinea pigs without informed consent? Shouldn't our government "public servants" have to take all the vaccines that we do? Aren't military personnel public servants, too? And even more honorable than most of our politicians! When my senior high school class in 1972 became the first group eligible to vote at 18, our social studies classes stressed voting for the best candidate that would serve the people. When did the choice become voting for the lesser of two evils (the candidate that would do the LEAST damage during his or her term in office)? I also will refuse to vote for any of these incumbent candidates, or anyone else that I have no confidence in. I now work in a public school system where our elementary students show better judgement and leadership than our current Congress. America needs to change from the "me" generation to the "we" generation!
If CON is the opposite of PRO, is CONGRESS the opposite of Progress?

Steve Downs

CLIFF, USAF Retired

I to am a permanently and totally 100% disabled veteran. I am also unemployable. I served at the pleasure of our country 24 years. To have our government hold my pension and the pension of every other veteran beginning 1 Nov 2013 would put would place us all in dire straits. I am so disappointed in the leadership of our nation I've run out of words to say. Because of your current actions(in-actions), the WIC program has run out of funds which means low or no income parents are unable to feed their starving children. Veterans like myself who receive a pension will be hurt tremendously if our stipend is withheld due to our government's inability to do the jobs we elected them to do. It's a shame we can't fire all of you including the President and VP and re-elect a new regime to do what's required of the people of this great nation. Your current actions are hurting millions of people around this country and it appears you really don't care. When a civilian (Mr. Fisher) of New York has to step in and provide the payments for our fallen military heroes to RIP and $100,000 to each of their families is woeful. It's totally unsatisfactory. IS THIS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, THE GREATEST NATION IN THE WORLD?

RVD

Cliff,
"permanently and totally 100% disabled veteran. I am also unemployable"? Seems to me you have awesome typing skills. Should be a job out there somewhere. BTW... I worked with a 100% disabled Navy Vet while performing contract work in Qatar. 100% disability in todays terms is not what it was when our Vietnam Vets returned home. I am a Gulf War Vet and it sickens me to see what is claimed as a disability. FACT: Chronic ingrown toenail due to the combat boots provided. 20% rated disability. Don't mean to dish on you personally but you do have a mind and some mad typing skills.

Brad K

DAV since 2002.
I'm with you on this. Our government has failed. They don't represent us, they represent the interest of whomever gives them the most money, which is often corporations. I would rather have to eat dirt and live in my car then continue to live under this government. We really need to throw the lot of them out and start over. It is entirely too corrupt and bloated to save. I understand why this shut-down has occurred. Obamacare will be hurtful to this country. Just the cost of legal fees defending this un-Constitutional law would be staggering. To add insult to injury, Obama won't even enroll in his own plan. The government already ruined Social Security but want to get into the health care business? This is nothing more than Obama pandering to his campaign financiers. The whole things is rotten and needs to be gutted. I'll live in a shack and grow a garden if it means we can escape living under this totalitarian government bent on making us a socialist state.

Charlotte Baldridge

Some where all these polititans have lost the knowledge that they have their jobs because of us. The American people. We have our freedom because we got off our rear and served. They made promises that are one by one being changed or done away with. They get paid if they are working or not and that is one thing that should be changed right away. If they had to wait for their money and not be able to pay their bills they would be getting this straightened out. I love my country but there are a whole bunch of people running it who should have to live like the rest of us and come time to vote the incombants should look out because I'm going to be looking for some new blood.

Unhappy Veteran

I've just finished reading (hundreds) of comments from various walks of life affected by our government not being able to make a decision. Finger pointing and racial feelings doesn't get the job done. Put the blame where it belongs, on the American citizens who voted for this administration. Our CINC needs to grow a couple and put the Dems and Reps together in a tightly sealed room and simply say, no one is leaving this room until you get the job done that you were elected to do. Since he's the man in charge, he should be able to do this but the result may be a spoiled image which he doesn't want so its not gonna happen. I hear people saying let's vote them out of office next election. Hey you, wake up!!! This crap is affecting us NOW so how can we wait til next election? The American voting public had their chance in 2008 and repeated the same mistake in 2012 as it seems they didn't learn a dam thing the first 4 years. I too think there should be term limits for these mentally impaired elected officials. I don't care if you are Republican or Democrat, this is not the way its suppose to go down. Maybe we should have a one term President limit with the first 3 years being probationary. Not much we can do to help this President as he obviously is totally out of touch with reality. I've never witnessed a full fledged impeachment party but I sure feel this is the time to enjoy one. Too many trips to the voting booths have been made with disastrous results, lets not wait for it to happen again.

Brad K

You don't care if they are Republican or Democrat. That is the problem, isn't it? Not that you don't care, but that everyone votes Republican or Democrat. They are both equally corrupt. Did you even know there was a 3rd candidate in the last election? Campaign financing needs a big reform. Lobbyist need to go away. If you have an argument for an interest, do it in public on CSPAN, not on a golf-course or over a private dinner. 1000 page bills with under-the-radar language needs to be banned. If it doesn't apply to the issue at hand, it doesn't go in that bill. I don't understand why we as the public allow this. What does building a road have to do with farms or what does funding a park have to do with gun-rights? Unrelated language needs to be eliminated from bills. Any law passed needs to apply equally to those passing the law. The time for special treatment needs to stop here, stop now.

veteran in Army major in Nurse corp

I totally AGREE!!lets wake up before its too late!! I proudly serve in Vietnam and Desert Storm era and now I shiver when I see how my country is heading. Lets wake up and bring back the values and principles that our country first established!! STAND UP AND LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD TODAY!! History repeats itself ...THE FALL OF THE ROMAN EMPIRE!! ARE WE HEADING IN THAT DIRECTION???I pray that we wake up TODAY!!!

veteran in Arny major in Nurse corp

I totally agree !!Lets wake up America TODAY as our country is going in the wrong direction. I proudly served for my country during Vietnam and Desert Storm and now I pray that we stand STRONG TOGETHER AGAIN for the values and principles that our country was first built on!! Let your voice be heard for our freedom TODAY before that is taken away!!!

slusk9655

dollars that program will cost.His aim is to make as many "normal" Americans feel an extreme pinch and crisis during this shutdown, with no or little corresponding pinch to his backers on welfare, in unions or government service. Remember, they passed a bill that would let government workers who are furloughed get back pay for the days they did not work. Is that toadying or not?

Dan "Gunny" Guyor

Open letter to Congress -
Get over it. Get on with it. The Affordable Care Act is history, it's a done deal. Don't think that holding the government hostage will help you de-fund it. Congress continues to get a pay check while the government is closed for business because their job is to get the government working again. Try this--If the government shuts down because no budget is in place, work for free until a budget is passed. Apparently you didn't do your jobs because the budget didn't get passed.
And I really don't want to see someone standing at the microphone with 15 of his co-conspirators patting themselves on the back when a budget does pass. That ship sailed at midnight on Sept 30 of this year. You had your chance to pull this out at the last minute, but we can see that didn't happen.
I'm a veteran, and I vote. And you can be sure this event will still be in the front of my mind when I step into the voting booth next year in November. Hopefully I'll have enough Vet friends that will stand with me and remember the faux pas of 2013 come election time.

Brad K

Yeah, just because something is law, doesn't mean it should be allowed to stand. Do you really not see the issue with Obamacare? Or, do you see the issue but you are more concerned with getting your VA benefits then with a law that will unduly burden parents of lazy kids and place the cost of healthcare for people who won't work on the backs of those who do? Obamacare is so bad even Obama won't sign up for it. His health plan is much better.

Steve Downs

You obviously don't get it. Those who do are already paying with their taxes. Who do you think pays for all the treatment received by those who use emergency rooms as their personal Dr.s office? It aint going away so give it a chance for the kinks to get worked out and we will all be better off.

Larry Shouse

Gunny,I respectably disagree with you sir. This Senate and President has shoved way to much garbage down hard working men and women in this country..Vote for it then read what you voted for later on,do you sign a contract without reading it?I suspect not. Semper Fi

Viper 143

No Obamacare is not a done deal. Obama is using you as a pawn to turn this country in his image, and you are playing into this traitor's hand. I'm a veteran and I vote too. The government is declaring war on the American people.

Steve Downs

Deedee Fellow Vet

I COULDN'T HAVE SAID IT BETTER! NONE OF THE GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS IN CONGRESS/SENATE OR WHITE HOUSE SHOULD GET PAID UNTIL THEY GET BACK TO DOING THE JOB WE VOTED THEM IN TO DO- RUN OUR COUNTTY!!!!!!!!!!! I KNEQW IN 2008 AFTER THE RESULTS OF THE ELECTION, OUR COUNTRY WOULD SPIRAL OUT OF CONTROL,THE VOTERS WHO VOTED FOR "O" & HIS CO-HERTS ARE GETTING WHAT THEY DESERVE,TROUBLE IS, INNOCENTS LIKE MYSELF HAVE TO PAY FOR THEIR DISASTROUS ACTIONS!! IF 'O' WAS A VETERAN, HE MIGHT UNDERSTAND WHAT HE IS DOING TO OUR COUNTRY!!! IMPEACH O' & THROW OUT OBAMACARA BECAUSE IT IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL! WHY SHOULD I PAY FOR EVERYONE (ILLEGALS) TO HAVE AFFORDABLE MEDICAL???????????

Brad K

McCain wouldn't have been any better. Even he is on record against this shutdown because he doesn't want to see Obamacare de-funded. Too bad our country is full of voters that just check the 'party' box and don't bother looking for other options. I have talked to a lot of people about the last election and I have only run into 3 that even knew who the 3rd candidate was before they voted. The overwhelming majority didn't even know there were 3 candidates on the ticket. Everyone votes their party lines. No one cares about the past, otherwise there wouldn't be a Democrat/Republican cycle every 4-8 years. They just keep swapping up because they both suck and we have short memories.

Peer (Pete) Koiner US ARMY Retired

Gunny is so right. Congress its over. It time to debunk your prde and get a budget passed. With or without Health Care. I am one of those Vets who rely heavily on my VA Benefits. DO SOMETHING TO SAVE YOUR JOBS AND PASS A BDGET THAT IS FAIR AND AGREEABLE TO ALL. Gunny is right. I am a voting member and have several friend who would agree with us. Think about it Congress, we elected you, We can kick you out.

Peter Koiner US ARMY RETIRED

My Computer is not working right. The misspelling sorry. Just wanted to add a few things (Coments). Come November I plan on NOT Voting for any incumbent from both houses. Its time to clean house. Its time to take back the country. A govenement BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE. If we let a small few take control as we are seeing now, Then this is not the coutry that I signed up to defend and protect some 24 years ago and served for almost all those years. A Million Vet March would be a great idea, but I think there are a lot more then that. If we band together Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine, Coast Guard, Reserves and National Guard from all Brances and march congress and the President should be made to listen and then act swiftly to resolve this situation. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!! A Land for the People an by the People. Lets take back our country.

USAF Tom

It might not be the first thing but it is a "thing". First was NAFTA that sent a lot of jobs out of the country. Second is giving the jobs that remain away. 10 million given amnesty with another 20 million anchored to that is 30 million. hmmm... If my math is right that's 30 out of 300 million or a 10% increase in Demoncrate votes... I mean people ;)

callmeBob

Congress, or at least the House of Representatives has approved funding for the VA and a host of other federally funded programs.
The Senate has not approved a vote, nor have they held a vote, on those bills addressing funding of the VA

Larry Shouse

I agree, The Senate and POTUS are the people who are doing the stonewalling! We are taking care of half the world along with probably fifteen million illegals but we cannot find the funds to take care of our vets,something is wrong big time with this picture. We do need to secure our border and learn to live within our means!

Gene Stoesser

We need to vote out anyone who is an incumbent, Democrat and republican. It is not one party who is at fault they all are.
To bad we can't impeach all of congress, have term limits, no retirement, no healthcare let them get their own just like every other American. Make them register and never be able to hold a public office again.
Half of you will go right back and re-elect them same people we have now.It's every body else's congressmen not yours. Bull it's all of them

Jean Davis

I agree---vote them all out--Obama, wife with him, any friends that he has there who do exactly what he says there---disinfect the white house--do a really good housecleaning. Start finding really good business men (mostly
veterans)who value what this country really stands for. No illegals, we have
way too many now. Control the borders. Stop sending money overseas to countries who laugh at us for doing it, when we know they are doing everything they can against us and our freedom.
they can

Karen Murdock, Ret USAF

Karen Murdock

Here here Gene! You get no argument from me on any of your points. It's time politicians fend for themselves after their term...if they don't care about us, then it's about time their "entitlements" are stopped. Like the old saying goes: what have they done for us lately??
If VA payments are stopped in November I can't pay my house note which is from Cal Vet [a bond for CA [Vietnam] vets to purchase homes]...wonder if they'll understand the no payment for the month? Or charge me late fees and then put a mark against my credit? Or start foreclosure proceedings?
Like "Gunny" said: the health care bill has PASSED and it's FUNDED. Get Over It and do your damn jobs!

USAF Tom

If it is FUNDED then why the Democrates not allowing any portion of the budget from the house to go through.
Answer: The Republications said they won't add addition money to the budget to FUND it. The Repubs are saying we will pay for everything but Obamacare and the Democrates are saying pay for Obamacare or nothing.
Regardless if you think the redistribution of wealth from the middle-class to the poor is "fair", you need to first read what it is and where it is taking us. If you believe living in a "fair" country like Russia or China, then that's your choice along with everyone that votes for "fair" policies. I for one think "fair" should be an equal opportunity under the law not special waivers and favors.

Art the HUN

After redding all of the comments to date I realize that most of them are made by jackasses who dont know whats going on. One question I ask of all of you is If Obama Care goes through, about 30 milion new applications will be filed. Tell me where are the doctors who will be able to handle this new group of illegals and others????????

John G

Please get your facts straight! The Affordable Care Act or "Obamacare" SPECIFICALLY excludes illegals from participating! I have read the act because of asinine comments like yours. It bothers the s-**t out of me when people make accusations without bothering to get an iota of their facts straight! That's the real problem with this country, people listen to talking points made by rich mouthpieces who are being paid big bucks by rich benefactors to deliver messages for the benefit of those benefactors! Research your facts THEN make your comments.

USAF Tom

ahhh Yes. It does exclude "illegals" but not people with green cards. So once make the "illegals" "legal" then his point is correct.
Lawmakers and obviously your own "rich mouthpieces" have blinded you also. Go back and do YOUR research again. Some, not all, of my "rich mouthpieces" supply us with references and documents to back up their rhetoric. What does yours use video clips and quotes without where to get the full speech?
Research, Research, Research.... And question everything. (Glenn Beck's quote not mine.) ;)

Brad K

Illegals also can't get tax refunds, right? Oh, wait, they still do because the system is overrun and the IRS doesn't care enough to stop it. If they can file tax refunds, they'll also enroll in Obamacare with stolen or bad SS numbers and get care on our dime. Hell, an emergency room visit for pinkeye (my toddler) cost me $600. The only reason I have to pay it is because I have a good SS number. If you don't have one, they can't do anything to you about it. That is why the visit cost $600, I have to pay for the illegals' visit since the hospital can't do anything to them for it.

RL retired Navy Vietnam Era

All comments that have been made is a basic opinion. I like the facts, the straight facts that is...The Fact Is That Congress Sucks. The fact is that they are all playing chess no one wants to over the King, all you have are the pawns that can only make one move at a time...Why can't they be like the Knight? that move various of ways. Overthrow the Government, make them squirm in their seats when the word comes down to state...No one leaves, go home, get paid until all this mess is cleared up and lets take care of Our Vets that served and are presently serving. This really stinks...A war with the Government against We The People For The People. We are all tired of having the smoke blown up our butts with no relief. All this BS that is going on in the 3rd world countries ain't my concern. Like my Mom, (Lord Bless her soul), use to tell me "Take care of your home first, before you go out and try to take care of someone else's" This is not Rocket Science. I think a few of us Vets sure in the Hell could do a better job than what is going on now in the House. Surely we would not just sit around and drink coffee and eat donuts all dayum day.

Jean

Bless your mom--she has it right. I think I have been "at war" with the
government for many years. About everything they vote for is against the
desires of the people who work and send taxes to the "government" which are
then given to others who don't work, have babies, babies, babies and collect
money to take care of them---nothing wrong with "caring for babies" its the
mothers that use that to collect more and more money to have them and be
taken care of from "Welfare" Something seems to have happened to a lot of
the people who vote for such things as well as voting against out freedom and our country. Maybe all of those mothers should start thinking of going
to work and taking care of themselves along with all the others who vote for people who give our tax money to illegals. Yes, I had children--6 of
them and I worked for 65 years and now collect Social Security and join every organization that is against Obama and against obamacare.

Jack W

Well john I take it you read all 2000+ pages of the rip off of our insurance rights. If only everyone could understand what it truly says. It sounds like you don't. I know I don't but what I do understand I don't like as do most of the voting people in this country.

Larry D. Anderson Sr.

Will a single illegal be reduced in food stamps, clothing allowance, electrical, telephone, gas, medical, housing, etc. Just wondering what level of value those who served this nation fit in with the rest of this pack, on the bottom!

Karl

This problem rests entirely on Barack Obama and Harry Reid. They have steadfastly refused to negotigate in any way unless they get what they want upfront. We all knows that means no negotigations either now or in the future. The House has passed multiple bills to fund the majority of the government, but Harry Reid and Barack Obama refuse to allow them to take effect, as they do not fund Obama care beyond that currently authorized. Holding the entire country hostage to defend Barack Obama's community organizer dream project is totally wrong. Barack Obama and Harry Reid fail to compromise, we should begin actions to ensure the defeat of every Democrat running for national office in 2014, as their continued support for Obama's stonewalling simply encourages Barack Obama and Harry Reid in their pursuit of a single party government which rules by dictate, not law.

Larry Shouse

John G

So it's ok to "negotiate" under a threat?? Give me what I want or I break your leg, your arm, "our" country!! The Affordable Care Act is LAW it has been upheld by the Supreme Court. People, maybe not you, but many people want it. They want basic, affordable health care. Is it a perfect act? No! But how about Congress doing its job and proposing needed changes but no, all they want is to gut it. Their mantra is no how, no way, we don't want it. The GOP is a party that is owned by the likes of the Koch brothers with Fox news as its mouthpiece. This is a disgrace!

Jack S

Brad K

The Supreme Court also says the police aren't legally required to protect your life if it puts them at risk (protect and serve?). The police can just watch someone murder you and don't have to do a thing until that person runs or threatens their life. Much like the killer on the NY subway train. They also say it is Constitutional to require license for gun ownership. Hell, there is even a list of books banned by the government and that flies in the face of the 1A. The SC is stacked with Obama supporters and DOES NOT always uphold the Constitution. DUI checkpoints are legal too and that is a clear violation of the 4A. You just go ahead and keep thinking the SC is always right or just because they think it is okay that it is okay.
Of course many people want it. Many people want a free-ride. I sure do see a lot of Obama supporters really happy that they won't need to pay for health care. They'll have more money to buy cell-phone upgrades, cable TV, nice cars, illegal drugs, etc. The people around here on welfare get free phones with text and I can't even afford a phone this nice with a text package and the government says I make too much money for food-stamps even though we spend a great deal of our money on health care. Meanwhile the tart down the road gets more food-stamps every time she pushes out a fatherless baby. So, yeah many people want it. They are already entitled to so much, why not get more? Besides, the government can just print(borrow) more money at the Federal Reserve.
Obama says health care for all, except him of course. He already has a much better plan we pay for so he won't sign up for his own Obamacare. His administration is full of scandal. Eric Holder should be in prison. It wouldn't matter if he was since B. Todd Jones is head now and he was knee deep in that scandal too. But, Obama didn't know about that. In fact, every time something happens, he didn't know about it. We tried to impeach Clinton over Lewinsky and forced Nixon to resign over snooping around the Democratic office but Obama gets away with smuggling guns and letting ambassadors die? No, the SC doesn't always have our interest in mind and their decisions have been reversed in the pass which only proves they are wrong at times and they are wrong now.

CrazyMan

Rick Z

Building the southern border fence and the enforcement of immigration laws are ignored at the direction of the White House... The real disgrace is we have a President who picks which laws he cares to enforce!!!

James vc

It sure seems that this is all just a practice run by the administration , especially the use of "punishment" for the citizens and the veterans when 0bama and gang doesn't get his way Just wait . These administration bass turds are trying to see just how far they can push it before we fight back. And if we don't put an end to their shenanigans they will own us completely , and that ain't good. We served our country for a lot less pay and perks and for a lot more risk to life and limb than the freeloaders that are in this administration and they are tearing our country apart with their foolishness

WILLIAM L PENN JR

Perry

A major problem in this whole process is a President who fails to understand he is President of all the United States. Sadly, he has never been a leader, but depended on the Senate, and its Leader to advance his agenda. He is an ideologue who will unabashedly advance an agenda here and abroad that could and often does worsen the state of this nation. You can't disagree with him, or he acts like a third world dictator, and apparently will do all in his power to intentionally make things worse. He doesn't know the meaning of truth, i.e. his repeated comments that the Affordable Care Act would reduce insurance premiums, and you could keep your same plan if you liked it (recent reports show those statements are not true). When I called my Representative in the House to request both Branches of Congress work together, he was open for business and I stated my position. When I called my Representative in the Senate to do the same, I was connected to a voice mail stating they were closed due to the shutdown. Citizens no longer have a voice in the United States Government. I am very concerned this nation and its citizens are in a downfall from which we won't recover.

O Hutchins US Army Ret

I am a 100% disabled vet and I have to live within my means. I am an equal opportunity complainer. There is enough to go around to everyo9ne involved in this crisis. The entire government is not doing their jobs. They need to stop their pay and allowances until they can to their jobs. Everyone is complaining about the Health Care Act, well if it works it works, if it fails it fails. But if it is so great then why aren't the congress, senate, and white house employees under it. If you can delay it for some they why not for everyone until you can workout all the kinks. This could have been avoided if the Senate would have come together with the Congress as they are suppose to do and passes a budget. Without a budget there is not accounting for the spending. Like I said I have to live within my means that means that I have to live within my budget. If I do not get paid do you think the mortgage company will care? Do you think that any of my debt holders will care? The answer is simple, NO. They want their money and they don't care where I get it, they just care if I pay it and pay it on time. I could lose my house and everything else if this goes on much longer. And no I am not a deadbeat. A very smart man (Benjamin Franklin) once said "Together we stand and divided we fall." If we don't come together soon we just might be witnessing the fall of the United States of America as we know it and the United States of America the we fought to protect. Just Saying!

Michael J, Boller USMC korwean and veit-nam vet

If I do not recieve my disability check in Nov I wont be able to make my house payment ,car payment, elect and gas services, and other things that i pay monthly. I also rely on Soc Sec which wont be paid so in essence I will have no income in Nov Congress get off ur #$#@!#$ and do u Job.

Michael J, Boller USMC korwean and veit-nam vet

If I do not recieve my disability check in Nov I wont be able to make my house payment ,car payment, elect and gas services, and other things that i pay monthly. I also rely on Soc Sec which wont be paid so in essence I will have no income in Nov Congress get off ur #$#@!#$ and do u Job.

R. Freedman, LT. Col's wife

U are not alone. How insensitive and cold hearted this whole situation is. Hoping this situation gets better. Both Dems. and Republicans needs to get along with each other and talk. I pray for a happy ending.

JTMcAniff VietVet

It's about time that the millions of veterans in this country march on Washington, & litterely throw these despicable jackasses out of there offices, tar & feather them, & ride them out of town on a spiked rail, from Obama & biden on down to all the democratic? senators. Thanks all of you stupid voters who voted them back into congress & the White House. It's past time to defend the Constitution of these United States like we say we will when we recite the American Legion Oath.

Dave1945

G Tunstall Vietnam Vet USMC

It is unfortunate that people lay the blame on the President and the Democrats when it is the GOP who control Congress that have brought us to this point. We have some ignorant people who either don't know the facts or just don't want to know the facts and want to lay blame on him for everything wrong in this country. Or maybe it is just because he doesn't look like any past president and there are people that can't stand that most important fact!!

c

Ida Fellow Vet

Trouble is the GOP individuals are "got rocks" folks who don't have to worry about a mortgage, utility bills and all the other bills that us poor folks have to pay. They live behind gates...locks that shield them from the masses who don't have the where with all to pay for the very necessities of life. We are as a family totally relying on the good faith of the US to pay our retirement checks, and disability check. We felt it a privilege to serve. I guess if the Ship of State doesn't right itself, we'll all go under.

Ray6363

WILLIAM L PENN JR

YOU, MR. TUNSTALL ARE OUT OF TOUCH WITH REALITY. DO YOU NOT LOOK AROUND YOU AND SEE WHAT IS GOING IN THIS COUNTRY,IT IS NOT WHAT HE LOOKS LIKE OR WHO HIS IS. IT IS WHAT THEY {THE PRESIDENT-DEM-REP}ARE NOT DOING AND THAT IS GETTING THE JOB DONE FOR THE AMERICAN PEOPLE.....W.L.P.JR.

Jim Harpin Viet Nam vet

G Tunstall. In rely to your comment, the Congress consists of the House(controlled by GOP) and the Senate (controlled by the Dems). It is not fair to blame one without blaming the other as well. The President is suppose to be the mediator in this case and bring the leaders of both parties to the Table to bring about a viable solution which benefits populace. However, since we have a president who is AWOL; a president who knows nothing about partisanship; a president who has run nothing less than a girl scout picnic; the American people will have to suffer. 545 Neantherthals is Washington are keeping the whole country hostage. So don't blame just the GOP, they are all to blame.

Fritz Rummery SCPO

Well said. Time for him to stop campaigning and learn how to lead. Maybe he should ask one of the Senior Enlisted (Gunny, Chief, Sargent Major) and ask them how to get a group of people to do what they don't want to do...He sure has hell hasn't learned that on his own. They don't teach that in Community Organizer school either

WILLIAM L PENN JR

Pete McWilliams USMC (Ret)

Last I heard, the Dems control two-thirds of the Federal Government (Senate and Executive Branch). That means that they own a large part of this problem and now appear to be the impediments to any solutions. Both sides have their fingerprints on this mess and need to work together for the good of the Country, not the parties. Another reason for term limits!

D Schrum Gulf War SFC(Ret) USA

I can't believe you would throw in the race card, I am so sick of hearing that. Please if you know the facts as you claim enlighten us. But what I know is this, President Obama said he would veto any budget that came across his desk that did not fund the Affordable Care Act ACA (or obamacare), Harry Reid said he will not accept any budget the did not fund obamacare 100%. Every budget sent to them was to fund everything but obamacare, they even asked to delay it but every single time it was vetoed by Reid and sent back, no negotiations at all just NO. So since the Affordable Care Act ACA (obamacare)is suppose to be a LAW then why is President Obama and his family and all the Congressmen to include their aids exempt? They don't even think they should follow their own law but they will have you and I have it shoved down our throats and you think this is alright? So you see I am one of them ignorant people you are talking about, but I say because of your last sentence and the way you forcibly put it across would say Sir you are a racist and a bigot who knows nothing about whats going on. You can insinuate race all day long, but the truth of the matter is President Obama has now shown his true colors. So Please enlighten us but don't you dare insinuate or say a word about race that is not part of the equation.

J Shield

If you will check the facts sir, you will see that thr GOP dpes not control congress. The GOP are the majority in the House of Representatives and the DEMS are the majority in the Senate. Together they are Congress. I blame both political parties for the predicament we are in as neither one, for one reason or the other, will sit down and come to a mutual agreement which would benefit this great Country that we ALL live in.

Brian_K

Why do you have to throw race into any discussion where Obama is attacked. I despise the policies he brings to the office, not the man. He could be blue for all I care. I would still despise the policies he stands for. We will never end racism as long as race is the first defense for any attack on someone who happens to be a minority.

WarlordX

Are you REALLY that stupid? The Congress (majority Republican) have made continuing efforts to fund the government on an individual program basis (as it is supposed to do; a continuing resolution is a total cop-out of their responsibilities, which are to review, reduce, and eliminate programs that are not meeting their goals, are superfluous, or are unnecessary) it is the obstinance of Sen Reid and POS Obama that has caused, and is continuing the shut down of a mostly useless government. The sooner we are rid of these two clowns the better off we'll all be.

John McAniff

Right the GOP control the House part of Congress, but it is reid & the democrap senators who are refusing to act on the bills that the congress sends to them, & Obama who states time & again that he will not sign any of them. At least they got their party mascot right - a JACKASS>

Jean

J Ward

If you got what you propose, then you would not have a government. You got the target on the wrong Party. Boehner has funding held up by not allowing a vote on the budget without strings attached. You are exactly right, you have gotten what you deserve if you voted for the Republicans. How blind to reality can you be? I am not going to call you stupid but you need to get another source for your facts. The way this works is Boehner submits a budget and it gets to be voted upon after committees have agreed to it. You don't fight old battles that you lost in the Budget Bill. This allowing a minority of House Members to in essence veto a law that was passed by a majority of the members representing the American People. Taking down the government and holding it hostage is contrary to the oath the members took to uphold the constitution and to protect the United States agains enemies, foreign and domestic. As a point of information, the Supreme Court has the Power to decertify anyone who is violating their oath on ethics grounds.

A Buhl

Mr Ward;
Correct me if I'm wrong, and you will, but The House of Representatives with all those damn Republicans, have sent a budget to the Senate every year for approval since our so called President was elected and re-elected. And, wasn't the Senate controlled by the Democratic party for all that time? In other words maybe its the Senate that is holding this nation hostage!
I know most liberals hate the truth, and the truth is, as Abraham Lincoln said, it is the duty of every American citizen to stand up and if need be dismantle this government if it not performing the duties of the will of the people. Also, wasn't it the senate that pulled that 750 billion dollar save the economy bill?
For myself, I'm tired of politicians using scare tactics to convince ignorant people that their way is the only way, or we will all be doomed!!
Well, the majority of the people have spoken, and by their silence they want this nation to be destroyed within, and those of us who love this country, have bled for her, and are willing to die for the right for those hate us, to spit on us, call us murders, terrorists, are called idiots because we want this country returned to its former greatness, not a nation whose leader bows to lesser leaders, apologizes for our transgressions against terrorists.
Tries to circumvent and ignore the constitution.
If this is the person and party you want, don't try and stop those, like me, who aren't willing to sit back like a bunch of weeping pacifists, and let this country taken from us without a fight. God Bless America, yes I still believe this country was founded under the Judeo-Christian God that we're not suppose to mention either!

Brian_K

No where in the constitution does it say that Congress has to fund something just because it is the law of the land. The constitution does say that all funding bills have to originate in the house which in this case is controlled by the Republicans. The same game playing that allowed the Democrats to pass Obamacare with no Republican votes is now being used to stop them. Oh how sad it is not that someone else can use legislative games to get what they want. Ok when the Dems did it but not ok now that the Repubs are pushing it right back.

the oozlefinch

Sounds like dereliction of duty charge to me. Most Federal employees have to contend with that reality- how about the executive branch...or is that yet another double-standard? Didn't similar actions from a foreign government led to the inception of a new nation once? It smells like the hooligans on the hill practice taxation without representation...just like the 1700's.

Jumper20

Get of it you Republicans.You lost the VOTE on Health Care you don't get another bite off the apple.Stop calling people names and just pass a funding to keep the Country running then cry about what you want to.

Gary Tunstall USMC Veteran

I don't know about the Army but IN the corps we were taught to respect the office or rank of our officers and senior enlisted even if you didn't like or respect the man or woman. To show such disrespect to the POTUS is unexplainable and unexcusable to me.

Mike Hoffman

Before I joined the Navy I was taught to think for myself. Of course that was suspended while in uniform, to some degree. Now that I am at large in the population I have learned from historical fact that Barrack Obama was raised by a mother and grand parents who were dyed in the wool communists. Apples don't fall far from trees.

BadaBing

I appreciate your comment, and I once felt the same way, but that was then and this is now...Things aren't nearly the same. The POTUS and other elected officials have no respect for the "People"...They all need to be thrown out of office and collect their lucrative salaries...

Daniel J Massetti Sr

HMC (SW/FMF) USN Retired Paul R. Gunther

Sgt Hobbs I agree with you but it just will not happen, Congress Rules and so does the CINC... We need to organize, march on Washington or wheelchair for some of us CAUSE WE ARE DISABLED and show what real men and women are made of.. but ya know there are some idiot vets that voted democratic....
The idiots that voted for these people need to be taken out in to the woodshed and get a whoopin'.

BadaBing

Ed Belsinger

Thomas G

Hi All you veterans go to Google and enter The 5 stages of Democracy.
Read Stage 4. Our president did not carry the popular vote. He carried
the electoral vote. Now which part of the country did they come from?
And where do the most of these people receive their pay check from.
In my state the 3 large cities Voted for Obama. Think about this.He Won.
I do not believe there that there ever be another Republican President. Too many people depend on the Government for a living and a large percent of them are liberals. I think they will decide who will be elected president.

USAF Tom

Amen.
I am still amazed looking at a map of the country and what counties were taken in the election. The map was almost completely red with little concentrated areas of blue. Unfortunately those large city centers rule us.
I wish the country would divide into two segments for about 20 years. One side with progressives and the other with libertarians (liberals/conservative titles aren't correct anymore). Once the progressives don't have anyone to feed their bloated desires of utopia they would implode. After that failed experiment the libertarian half could buy up all the land and use the "elites" as servants and entertainers. (They seem to make the best actors.)

Jean Davis

Utopia? Do any of you remember what happened when Jim Jones used his glib
tongue and drugs to get over 900 people to go to where he considered a
Utopia and he said he loved them all and was afraid that the government was going to take their children away and investigate their utopia so they could not live as they wished. They poisoned their drinks, gave it to their children and then drank it themselves. After knowing about that,
I wonder how many minds would accept the wonderful "Obama" being tossed
out in the street?
children away and investigate their way of living? They drank cool aid with poison in it. I sometimes wonder if the people who think Obama is
so wonderful, would do something like that.

Ed Belsinger

I disagree but it does look that way on the surface. Just don't fall into the trap of thinking this country is a democracy, too many people do, remember we are a Republic and we do not elect our presidents through popular vote.

Jean Davis

Walter Bubien

From the federal government 87% of federal "business" was not shut down. What was shut down was 13% of federal operations. The 13% that was shut down was almost 100% of the "public" sensitive areas.
It appears that the shut down is targeting public sensitive areas and federal sensitive areas are "business as usual"
Freeze those congress, senators, and administrative presidential offices pay / benefits and you would see how quickly the situation was resolved. If that had been done on day two the situation would have resolved itself on day three!
I note that federal income from taxes (44% of gross income); investment return from both domestic "and" international(48% of gross income); and enterprise operations (8% of gross income) currently stands at about 7-trillion dollars as of 2012. Consolidate that income and there would be NO budget deficit where only tax income is considered....
MANDATE that X % of the investment income is designated to offset ANY budget shortfalls and there would be none. Currently not 1c of the "off-budget" investment return is directly designated for that purpose.

Michael Holdcraft

Walter, I wonder if the IRS has shut down? If so, maybe a shutdown is just what we needed. You are correct, the President has ordered any federal service directly impacting the public to shut down because he thinks we will blame the Republicans for it. A Republican House sent 4 separate bills to the Senate that would have kept the entire Federal government working except for funds for the ACA and Harry Reid and the President said no 4 times. So who wasn't willing to negotiate? Who shut down the Government? Obama and Reid, that's who!

Ed Belsinger

Richard Holloway

What is wrong with these people that we voted into office? They are in their office to serve amd potect the american people and it seems like they are only servicing and protecting themself. If they can't do their job, then we should put someone new into their jobs who will do the job then they will know what it is like not to get a paycheck and being able to pay your bills and feed your family. They are like two little kids on a school play ground fighting over nothing that makes any sense at all. Both parties are holding up the process to come up with a solution in order to get this county back on track where everyone can get back to work and not worry about where their next paycheck will be coming from. To finish all I have to say and I think these words will sound familiar to everyone, (WE THE PEOPLE.

J. Hemingway

Remember this come election time. That is when you will have the power to do something about this and if we "the people" replace them, may be the next ones will think twice before shouting down the Government.

Kenneth Terrill USMC Ret.

We're all upset about this shutdown , rep. and dem. but they're all alike. It's them against us. We the people have to stick together to beat this problem. We can't fight with each other over political views . Stay strong.

Rick Dees, Navy doc, USMC

Well, where has the honor and respect gone within America. First, we lost respect, the honor somehow disappeared, God was taken away from society and now it's our disability. I, as many others, did two tours in Nam and these young men and women who are losing their limbs, as well as other severe injuries I notice when I have gone to the VA need that disability. I can't work a job and when a person is used to paying bills, this will turn into a mad crises. I live as cheap as I possibly can and have no fancy life styles. I pray for each and everyone of us affected by this government that the Lord will somehow bless them to end this for us and many others that may be living in their cars if something doesn't get done. Lord, help us.

Vietnam (Era) Veteran

I happened to notice the article from veteran Mike Schnitski; I'm as well at a 60% disability. In my life time, I've NEVER seen it nor experienced it this bad in my life time, even since the Vietnam War. These politicians need to "grow-up" and simply DO THEIR JOB; and not play these childish political "temper-tantrum" games. I also need my benefits as well. Why don't they eliminate THEIR PAY! I've said my peace, thank you.

MSG USA VIETNAM VET RETIRED

I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY WE SHOULD VOTE ALL DEM AND REP OUT OF OFFICE AND PUT NEW PERSONNEL IN OFFICE AND IMPEACH OBAMA, I DONT CARE ABOUT COLOR BUR THE MAN IS NOT MY CIC AND I DONT THINK HE IS A REAL AMERICAN

Richard Turner

I am very frustrated Upset Disappointed in the way that us veterans are being used as pawn in a political game the G.O.P. in congress and the Dems in congress have created this crisis shutting down the Government closing the VA regional offices is not good all they have to do is pass a clean spending bill and raise the debt ceiling and reopen the government I am 100% disabled Veteran and stopping the compensation payment is bad many of us rely on those payments to live on so the president should get on the stick and congress to get on it

Manuel S. Maciel, CMSGT, USAF, Ret

EI worked in the accounting field during forty plus years of military and civilian service. Traditionally the Government was funded by individual departmental appropriations approved by Congress and signed by the President. These individual appropriations were sometimes approved as a series of packages. Continuing resolutions were used as a stop gap measure to fund the entire government until the departmental budgets were approved.
To my knowledge, the Government has never operated for years on continuing resolutions without individual appropriations being approved until Obama became President. It is not the Republican House that is breaking tradition by approving individual departmental budgets. It is the President and Harry Reed's demand for an all or nothing funding of the government that is keeping over 90% of the Government unfunded and shut down thereby inflicting pain for political gain.
Most of the problems related to the shut down could be ended by Harry Reed bringing the House-approved individual appropriation bills to the floor, striking any truly objectionable provisions, and meeting with the House to resolve differences, approving the bills, and sending them to the President for signature.
On the other hand, the House Republicans should stop wasting time sending things to the Senate that Harry Reed and the president have agreed will not even be brought to the Senate floor. And, why has the House not passed a "clean bill" to bring the administration and Congress under Obama Care? My opinion is that the Republicans do not want to be treated like the rest of the country any more than the Democrats do.
Manuel S. Maciel
CMSGT, USAF, Retired

Gary Koller

NoMo24DaD 24

I agree, these clowns in Washington on both sides- get to cut the Veterans and active duty and all branches of the military but these idiots get to make a butt load of money, and never have to serve their country or their children pick up a weapon and serve our country! This is how they repay the heroes of this land that fought for our freedom. Corrupt Government I want to know and think we are a country should demand that whom are the real individuals running this country? Lets us all stand together and demand that the POTUS and all the rest of Washington's pay gets held and spread out to us Veterans and they live on $45,000 per year. Suck Ungrateful Ingrates.........It is Beyond Ridiculous America!!!!

USA16 yrs

I ABSOLUTELY AGREE. I TO DEPEND ON MY MONTHLY CHECK TO SURVIVE. I ONLY HAVE 16 YEARS IN BUT FEEL THAT I HAVE EARNED EVERY PENNY. THE DISABILITES OF MY FELLOW VETERANS ARE AS A RESULT OF KEEPING OUR COUNTRY FREE, HAVE THESE PEOPLE FORGOT THAT. I'M ON BOARD FOR DISTRIBUTING CONGRESS PAYCHECK TO ALL OF US WHO HAVE KEPT THIS COUNTRY FREE.

Brian 'Spanky' Hampton

USAF Tom

Muslim is not a race. But I am sick of people always using the race card. I wish people would get over this "white guilt". Most of us weren't even born when the jim crow laws were in effect. Now the only racist laws on the books are affirmative action ones.

D. Politano

Harry Reid said NO to any partial funding bill for the VA,NIH, Parks etc and the President has made unlawful changes to the affordable Care Act before it became effective, H e also says no Negotiation or compromise. As a Multi-Millionare he and Reid and Pelosi and many of the Politicians won't be affected by cutting off their benefits! Fire them all and remember the President went to the Middle-East and said we were the cause of all the Worlds troubles!

Bill Harkins (USMC VET)

Let all Vets get together and relay a message to the people and their Staffers running for election in 2013. If they don't repeal their Health Care and go with the same as the American Citizen has to live with we as VETRANS and the real Defenders of this Country and our Families will NOT VOTE for them. God Bless America

SGT J PLOCH

I AM A TOTALLY DISABLED VIET NAM VET. I RELY ON MY BENEFITS TO PAY MY
HOUSEHOLD BILLS. IT IS DIFFICULT AT TIMES BUT WITH PROPER BUDGETTING, CUT BACKS AND GIVING UP ON SOME SMALL LUXURIES WE MAKE IT WORK. WHY DOESN'T THE GOVERNMENT PRACTICE THIS METHOD ANND STOP FUNDING OVERSEAS PROJECTS AND COUUNTRIES, DIG INTO THE POCKETS OOF OUR ELECTED OFFICIALS AND TAKE CARE O THE PEOPLE THAT WERE PROMISED HELP SUCH AS TH ELDERLY, THE DISABLED AND THE VETERANS NOT TO MENTION TH ERECIPIENTS OF SOCIAL SECURITY WHO ARE ACTUALLY RELYING ON THERE OWN MONEY THAT WAS PAID INTO THE SYSTEM.

Ron Beaulieu

Sgt.Ploch,
The answer is simple, you and I don't mean a God Damn thing to these politicians until its voting time, then they forget we exist after the election and Obama that asshole has nothing to gain because his Presidency is THANK YOU GOD is his last term if someone doesn't find a way to impeach him early we are heading down the toilet in a hurry, remember these words this Country is still to strong to be torn down from an outside force but it seems to be happening from within with the likes of Obama, Reid, Pelosi, Boehner and the list goes on and on so I hope America wakes up and stands united and votes all their asses out in the elections ahead, no one is leading us now why shouldn't we elct tyour neihbor he or she couldn't do any damn worse and most of what we have were attotney's.

Retired Vet

After reading all of the comments, it appears that no one realizes that these are simply political games being played by the Administration. The VA's budget was set several months ago and is not about to run out on the 1st of Nov. If they don't pay, it is simply to make us hurt! If you're proud of the Administration, then so be it!

Frank Hart

I see a lot of change in the Congress. I plan to remove everyone I can from office that I can. If we don't do our jobs we get fired, so it is time to remove the whole lazy mess and start over. The only person that I will work to keep in office will be a Veteran. Vets already know what it means to serve the people. I just wish we still had some of the ones who gave it all.

bp

I will happily "sacrifice" my disability check (even though I am unemployed) in order that the Constitution be preserved.
My Oath still means something, and it doesn't mean "Give up the Constitution to get a monthly check".

JimMac

More power to you good buddy. I need my disability check and I want congress to get off their ass and do what they are paid to do. The Republicans are trying to bring the President to his knees at the expense of the American people. They all need to be fired.

Linda W

We also need my husbands disability check. He is 100% disabled and we need that check to pay bills. I have always been a Republican until the last election and I just can't vote that way anymore. My grandmother was a very strong Republican but I think that if she was alive she would be ashamed. I also agree that they all need to be fired.
Thank you,
Linda

Pao Xiong

I'll be homeless if this happen. On top of that, my wife and kids depend on my VA BENEFIT CHECK. Plus, school is 50 miles away. So, how am I going to go to school without money for gas. Up until now I had been going to school with one meal a day and if I'm lucky two to be the most. My parents and my grandparents fought for this country in their country (LAOS), they get nothing in return except a place to run away to so they won't get prosecuted for helping the U.S. I grew up here, but with little to eat to survive, I served proudly and still is proud to this day, but now it looks like I and many of my fellow vets will starve and probably be homeless. How do they expect veterans students to get by while congress collect their pay check still. Veterans students rely on these check so that they can continue to complete their school. Please, learn to work together congress because you teach us teamwork, but you lack teamwork. You are contradicting yourself.

Tammie l Mitchell

I am 100% permanent and total disabled. My disability payment is the only income that I have. I am fighting for my Social Security Disability, and have been for almost two years. Prior to becoming unable to work due to my service connected disabilities, I had a very good contract job with a Fortune 500 company. If I was still able to work, I would not have to worry about not being able to pay my bills 01 Nov 13. What are other countries thinking of what is suppose to be the Land of Milk and Honey. How is it that members of congress are willing to destroy the America we love, just to try and prove a point...FOR WHAT??? Let's come together for the sake of the American people so we can move on. What we need is God!

dave1945

SFC Wilcox

And you don't care if the communist OBAMA destroys the country in the process? We as soldiers defended this country from Socialism... but when it comes to JUST YOUR check... you would sell out this country, and all that are trying their best, to keep this country "The United States of America?! Democrats have always been of the Sense of Communistic BIG Government POWER! But YOU Cannot Reason that... Just that the Congress who try's to Balance the Budget, not Tax more, so they can SPEND more, on Special Interests... Rather give this spendthrift an unending budget to bankrupt this nation. A solution is right around the corner, as Hitler Proposed many years ago... Just give up your country, you'll learn to love Communism... in time!

Lt. T Munyon USN Ret.

You seem not to be a student of history. Your comments reek of ignorance and blind conservative dogma. Communism is about redistribution of wealth. As far as I can see captalism is going stronger than ever. That is why the gulf between the rich and the rest of us just keeps getting wider. You need to watch the series "Your Bleeped Up Brain." The show offers some insight as to why some can be convinced of things that are beyond rational thought, and still believe them to be quite true. I do not see the play of the philosophies of Engels and Marx in the attempts to improve conditions for society as a whole. There will be more for all if we all are healthy and can expend less resources on crisis management of those who wait until they have a medical emergengy. The costs of treatment under those conditions are many multiples of the cost of preventative care. Here it is in a nutshell: The Democrats are basically altruiists: what can government to for the betterment of all; The Republicans are basically narcissists: what can government do for me. If you don't believe me look at the actions of Sen. Ted Cruz. Talk about a blind ego. His actions were a major factor in the government shut down, yet he shows up a the WWII Memorial to sympathize with the veterans who are locked out. That is pretty much like an arsonist showing up after the fire to console the victims.
When you get right down to it party politics are something entirely different behind the scenes. I think both Obama and Cruz are Harvard educated lawyers. If you know anything about lawyers they can play equally well for the prosecution or the defense and keep a straight face while so doing. When it comes down to it the voters are being gamed all the way around. It might be time to think independently.

Lt. Munyon USN Ret.

I am usually opposed to advancing an arguement with remarks ad hominum, but the Communist label is so off the mark that it can make one sound like one of those crazy-fringe, gap-toothed, rifle-toting, squirrel-eaters, whether they are or not.

CrazyMan

USAF Tom

So does a country become Communist over night? And what is your definition of Communist? You might not like the title but the road we are going down leads to becoming fully communistic. What do you think "fair share" means? It means redistribution of wealth or "...each according to his means". A society not based on merit or respect for private property. Communist or collectivist are essentially the same thing. No respect for the individual and everything for the "greater good".

Bill Harkins

Why was the Washington Mall open to illegal immigrants who were with
Polosi. And American citizens and taxpayers were not. Let's stop
calling them illegals and start calling them future democrats. I fought for this country, and look at it now. What a crying SHAME.

John Buzzard (USMC)

Maybe,It's time for a "Million Vet March" on Washington D.C.
It's absolutely ridiculous that our politicians can come to some kind of compromise. Try running the budget like we have to run our households. If you don't compromise your "Sleeping on the couch"

T A Perry (USMC )

Right on John...Our currant military brothers and sisters have to voice there displeasure with this administration...We swear to uphold the Constitution of the U.S and protect it from Foreign and Domestic Enemies...There is no way a real Commander and Chief would desert the protectors of these United States the way Obama has...Our leaders for the most part do not know or understand what freedom really means...Worse...They don't care..

DANANG72

I am also a disabled vet who is fed up with the government holding not only us, but the entire country hostage over a law that should not even have been passed( Affordable health care). The patriots who founded thos country are probably turning over in their graves with disgust.

T A Perry

sgtsusie

Why doesn't our government stop funding all the welfare programs and stop sending millions of dollars to OTHER countries and take care of it's own VETERANS!! I am a 100% disabled veteran myself and cannot believe the state of our government. To think I am millions of other veterans laid our lives down on the line for this???!! God help us!!!

Bill_Cam15

Why doesn't our government stop funding all the welfare programs and stop sending millions of dollars to OTHER countries and take care of it's own VETERANS!! Keep this attitude forwarding for all veteran causes!!

Jim SF_ret

Larry Markaverich

And the saddest thing of all is that, even if we could get the idiots out of office, they would continue to collect their pay and benefits for life. And, sadly, any newcomers will be bombarded for the "status quo" by any "survivors" of any purge we could ever accomplish on ALL sides of the fence.
What a sad time for America.

FuzzyBeard ALR267 MarshallTX

Bosun

Larry,
You are misinformed. They (congressmen/senators) do not "collect their pay and benefits for life". Retirement bennies are based on years of service, and it takes substantial service (>20 years) to have it amount to anything significant. Don't believe all the BS circulating on the internet.

BadaBing

Robert J Johnson. (R J)

I think it is pathetic the way our lawmakers are holding our VETS, and the AMERICAN people HOSTAGES. Because of their childish ways. Especially the MEN and WOMEN who has fought to SAVED and PROTECTED our COUNTRY. PLEASE open our GOVERNMENT immediately? Think about the hurting people you are HURTING.

Rickey Crane

I am a 100% Disabled Vietnam Veteran from Agent Orange. If I DO NOT get my check I will be bankrupt. HOW IS IT THAT CONGRESS, THE SENATE AND THE PRESIDENT STILL GET PAID WHEN WE WHO SACRIFICED OUR LIVES FOR OUR COUNTRY AND WE WHO ARE NOW SUFFERING PERMANENT DISABILITIES DON'T GET PAID? THAT IS WHY I AM NOT VOTING FOR ANY INCUMBENT IN THE NEXT ELECTION. REGARDLESS DEMOCRAT, REPUBLICAN OR INDEPENDENT. I AM SICK OF THIS WHOLE MESS. OUR GOVERNMENT IS THE WORST THAT EVER WAS AND OBAMA IS GOING TO GO DOWN AS THE WORST PRESIDENT IN HISTORY.

Maybe

I am a retired vet also, and I have come to expect this from our current prez. Isn't he the most tyrranical anti-american ever elected? TWICE??? No current or ex-military member should take this lying down. Our oath meant something. His lies must stop now.

WRONG

WHY DO YOU BLAME THE PRESIDENT FOR THIS? A LAW WAS PASSED AND BROUGHT TO THE SUPREME COURT AND PASSED AGAIN. IT THE GOP THAT WANT TO SHUT DOWN THE HEALTH CARE ACT AND HOLD OFF AS LONG AS THEY CAN. THEY WANT HEALTH CARE TO BE A MONEY MAKING BUSINESS. IT SHOULD NOT DEPEND ON HOW MUCH MONEY WE HAVE TO DETERMINE WHAT TYPE OF HEALTH CARE WE RECEIVE. ITS WRONG TO LET MONEY DECIDE WHO LIVES OR DIES. WE NEED THE ACT AND IT SHOULD OF TAKEN PLACE LONG AGO! WE ARE ONE OF THE ONLY COUNTRIES WHO LIVING AND DIEING DEPENDS ON WHAT WE CAN AFFORD. PEOPLE START OUT WITH THOUGHTS OF HELPING PEOPLE AS HUMANITARIAN AND END UP GIVING UP ON THE IDEAL TO MAKE MONEY. THERE SHOULD BE CAPS ON ALL MEDICAL SERVICES. ITS A NECESSITY NOT A LUXURY. ALL EUROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE IT AND CANADA TOO. WHY WAS THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA HOLDING OUT DOING THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT LONG AGO. THERE ARE MANY RICH DOCTORS, DRUG COMPANIES, MEDICAL SUPPLIES COMPANIES AND MANY MORE THAT ARE TOTING BILLIONS. WE NEED THIS AND EVERYONE NEEDS TO PAY THEIR FAIR SHARE. PRAISE THE LORD WE ARE ON THE RIGHT TRACK WITH THE HEALTH CARE ACT. REGULATED COSTS AND EVERYONE WILL BE COVERED. NOT JUST US WHO ALREADY HAVE IT. IT BELONGS TO ALL AMERICANS NOT JUST A FEW. THE WHOLE COUNTRY WILL BE EFFECTED NOT JUST THE RICH. AS I SAID, "HEALTH CARE IS FOR EVERYONE NOTE JUST THE ONES WHO CAN AFFORD IT, WE REALLY NEED THIS". THE FUTURE WILL TELL. HANG IN THERE, YOU'LL SEE!

John McAniff

You sir, sound like a typical democratic idiot, & flunky who, when the democrats say jump, you ask how high. The president has stated on the TV that he will not sign any bill that the republicans send to him unless it is entirely what he wants, with no conditions at all. harry reid has also stated that any bill which comes from the congress will not be voted on or debated in the senate, because that is the way that tyrant obama wants it. March on D.C. & throw the bums out. I am a 100% disabled Vietnam Veteran, who stands to lose my home, car, & all my utilities & have mo money for food if the VA can not pay the benefits which the veterans earned.

Don Miller

S.D.LOFFREDO

THANK, I WITH YOU ALL THE WAY. LOL TEABAG REPUBLICANS, LOL CUTE AND TRUE. THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT IS A LAW. LET THE REPUBLICANS GRIN AND BARE IT! SERVING ALL OVER THE WORLD, I SEEN FIRST HAND THAT MEDICAL IS NOT A LUXURY ITS A NECESSITY AND SHOULD BE AVAILABLE TO ALL AMERICANS, NOT JUST THE ONES WHO CAN AFFORD IT. PEOPLE DIE BECAUSE OF THE EXPENSIVE MEDICAL. HOW MANY TIMES CAN ANYONE AFFORD TO PAY $80,000 PER OPERATION BEFORE GOING BANKRUPTED? OR PAYING HUNDREDS OF DOLLARS FOR NECESSARY MEDS BEFORE GOING BROKE. NOW EVERYONE MUST PAY FOR HEALTH CARE AND THOSE WHO CAN'T AFFORD IT WILL GET HELP TO PAY FOR IT. ITS FAIR AND WILL TAKE SOME TIME TO GET OUT THE KINKS BUT THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS THAT CAME ABOUT IN YEARS FOR THE U.S.. ITS ABOUT TIME. PEOPLE SHOULDN'T GO INTO HEALTH CARE TO GET RICH. WHEN FOLKS ARE DYING BECAUSE THEY CAN'T AFFORD TO GET TREATMENT. I DON'T KNOW A GOOD LONG-TERM SPECIALIST DOCTOR THAT DOESN'T THAT HAS A BOOMING PRACTICE THAT DOESN'T HAVE AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLES AND LIVE IN A MONSTER HOME BECAUSE OF WHAT THEY CHARGE FOR THEIR PATIENCE OR INSURANCE COMPANIES. SURE IF THEY ARE EXCEPTIONAL AND IN DEMAND THEY GET PAID WELL BUT LETS PUT A CAP ON THAT, BE PAID AN AFFORDABLE PRICE FOR TREATMENT. OK IS YOUR SOME KIND OF SPECIALIST, THAT EXCELS IN EXTRAORDINARY SERVICES AND TRAINED LONG HARD HOURS THEN YOU CAN TAKE CARE OF THE RICH AND CHARGE YOUR NORMALLY HIGH PRICES, THAT IS TOTALLY UP TO YOU AND YOUR RICH PATIENCE, BUT LET THE AVERAGE MIDDLE AGE PATIENCE GET GOOD HEALTH AT A REASONABLE AFFORDABLE COST, LIKE PAYING OUR MONTHLY PAYMENT FOR AFFORDABLE INSURANCE AND EVERYONE WILL HAVE A FAIR CHANCE AT LIFE. DIDN'T MEAN TO GO ON THIS LONG BUT ITS A VERY IMPORTANT SUBJECT. LET GIVE THE HEALTH CARE ACT A CHANCE. IT WILL WORK IN THE LONG RUN, HAVE FAITH!

CCE

It is a terrible shame when the POTUS, tells all it is my way or the highway. When did we make him King? Why is not the congress moving to Impeach this moron? The biggest problems we have are Obama,Pelosi, and Reid, and a lot of the liberals in the Senate. They need to be removed come next election. Get on it.

WRONG

YOUR TOTALLY WRONG! THE HEALTH CARE ACT IS NOW A LAW! THE REPUBLICANS ARE HOLDING OUT BECAUSE THEY WANT TO DELAY IT. SORRY ITS A LAW NOW AND WE HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET HEALTH CARE FOR EVERYONE (NOT JUST THE RICH) FOR MANY YEARS. ITS LIKE YOU HAVE BLINDERS ON! OBAMA AND THE OTHERS ARE NOT AT FAULT! BOEHNER AND HIS PARTY ARE DOING THIS. OPEN YOUR EYES! I'M NONPARTISAN AND A VET. I VOTE FOR THE BEST PERSON NOT A PARTY. AT THIS TIME THE REPUBLICAN ARE WRONG! THEY ARE ONLY WORRIED ABOUT THE PARTY AND NOT THE AMERICAN CITIZENS, CAN'T YOU SEE THIS?
THEY DON'T WANT THE HEALTH CARE ACT BECAUSE IT WON'T BE A MONEY MAKING VENTURE ANYMORE LIKE IT HAS IN THE PAST. THE CARE YOU RECEIVE IS DETERMINED ON WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD AND IF YOU ILL YOU CAN'T GET INSURANCE.
THIS IS FOR THE PEOPLE! NOW EVERYONE WILL BE COVERED AND DEATH AND LIFE WON'T DETERMINE ON HOW MUCH YOU CAN AFFORD. GIVE IT A CHANCE AND TAKE OFF THE BLINDERS, OPEN YOUR EYES. I;M A VET AND DON'T CARE ABOUT PARTIES, I VOTE FOR THE BEST PERSON AND NOT ALL PARTIES ARE RIGHT ALL OF THE TIME. OPEN YOUR EYES AND CHOSE YOUR PRESIDENT ON WHAT THEY DO FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY. THE HEALTH CARE ACT IS NOT LIKED BY THE REPUBLICANS BECAUSE IT STOPS A MONEY MAKING VENTURE AND HEALTH CARE SHOULD NOT BE A BUSINESS IT IS A NECESSITY. GIVE IT A CHANCE IT IS GOOD FOR THE PEOPLE AND THE COUNTRY AND EVERYONE WILL HAVE IT. ITS HUMANITARIAN AND DOESN'T MATTER IF YOUR RICH, MIDDLE OR POOR. THANK GOD FOR THAT! IS ABOUT TIME!

Jerome B. Compton

You have it dead wrong. It's the republicans that have caused it and are responsible for it all. The party of 'NO' have got to go so we can begin to have a government of and by the people. I considered myself a Republican till that party got 'sick' and the Bush years pushed me over the top and I changed parties. It wasn't easy to do that, but I finally saw the truth.

CrazyMan

S.D.LOFFREDO

I'm with you. I didn't change parties, I went nonpartisan. No party is correct all the time so I vote for the best person to take an office.
I did that when Pres. Bush was in office. He shocked the heck out of me.
I really want the heath care for the states. I also am a retired vet.. I also don't think that the medical should be a money making venture to see how rich someone can become. Health is important and should be affordable to all Americans. Its about time! Let see how it is handled and sort out the kinks. Now your life or death won't depend on how wealthy you are, it will give all a fair chance at life. Its a good thing.
Boehner and his people should stop this SHUTDOWN because many of the party are worried that the drug companies, Rich Doctors and other Medical Companies will lose money because of the AHCA. Then they lose funding for their party. To me it seen as if the party means more to them then the country and the American People. I pray Obama don't fold, the Affordable Health Care Act is the Law and the Republicans need to realize that and respect it is what it is and don't hold the country and American people hostage to delay it. That is wrong, it is done and that is the way it is.
They act like little spoiled grade school kids that can't get their way so because they have the equipment they stop the game and take the ball and go home. That means that the game is stopped and no one plays. Shame on them. Put some importants on the country and all Americans or fire them. They need to get their pay stopped. Its the country and its people that are importand "NOT THE PARTY" STOP THIS SHUTDOWN! IS WHAT I SAY TO THESE SPOILED CHILDREN WE HAVE FOR PART OF THE SENATE. SAD THE LAW IS THE LAW!

htj

Your vision has been severely impaired. Congress submitted a budget. The senate didn't like it so they bear the responsibility of this fiasco. The president negotiates with known terrorists, muslims, and communists, will not do his duty to run the country that pays his salary. Sign the first budget in your 5 year tenure Mr Obama. The citizens of the country need a real community organizer.

rebel

Leo Almeida

It's obvious we the American people are not in the current administration's best interest. I myself being a Disabled Vet stand the possibility to end up Homeless. And where the wife and I reside is no place to be homeless in the coming months. I Blame NO one party, I blame them all. And being registered voters, should we end up Homeless, a lot of you Politicians I see ending up JOBLESS. Grow up and get this SETTLED !!!!!!!!!!!

Barbara Johnson

Everyone is concerned about disabled veterans and any other disabled person. The public is very quick to blame the President. We need to recognize and accept that President Obama is the person that the majority placed in office. As military people, we should be giving him more support than anyone, because he is our Commander-In-Chief and deserves to be treated as such. Let's contact our members of Congress and explain that although they are now trying to blackmail the President and tie this shut-down to the Affordable Care Act, the two items are not even aligned with each other. It is no laughing matter that Government operations are shut down. People need money to take care of our everyday business.

William wilkins

Barbara...........I believe you are terribly confused. You are asking for your fellow citizens to support the President, a man who knowingly allows the slaughter of our ambassador and several others......You need to increase your medication!!!

Xuan Loc guy

If it is so good they why is POTUS and congress and their staff along with the unions getting waivers? The real answer is that the "affordable care act" is a mess and the people who put this man in office have been bought out with food stamps, and promises of all sorts. A very wise man once said "we have the best politicians that money can buy" (Will Rodgers)!

Jae Doe

SFC Wilcox

I was; 2 years in Vietnam, and 20 years in service to this country... The Last Two Democrat Presidents were NOT Military and have very little respect for this country... They do nothing but attempt to destroy this nation at every turn... Either by destroying it's moral fiber or Bankrupt this nation by immense spending and throwing out everything moral, in this once GREAT NATION. Now it's only call to fame, is that we are the greater melting POT of fools, Illegals, Druggies, Homosexuals, Deviants... etc>!!

Jane Doe

The Senate is trying to save face. This whole budget crisis is just to get rid of Obamacare. I have lived and served in the military in Germany for over 15 years. It is a socialist country and yet every citizen has health care. You mean a socialist country can find means to provide health care for its people and a democratic country like the US can't. Get real! Why shouldn't everyone be entitled to health care. The average taxpayer is paying for those who don't have health care anyway - either when they go to the emergency room or thereafter. You think the hospitals are going to pick up the tab and/or lose money. I don't think so, they get that money from taxpayers like you and me. You are so busy being biased about a black man for president, that you can't see the validity of what he is trying to accomplish for your average citizen. Maybe you should take a trip to Germany and see how their government health care is working, and stop complaining!

walking eagle

If you like Germany so good why don't you move there permanently? I am tired of all those baboons in Washington holding this country hostage. Congress, the House, the Senate, all need to work for the good of the county, and not for a party. We have some of the dumbest people I have ever seen in our government.

Thomas G

SFC Wilcox

I spent many years in Germany and they pay a fortune in taxes. Twice every year, the TAX bureau comes to the homes of every German, and get taxed for each and every piece of LUXURY furniture; 2 TV's? Extra tax, too much furniture? more tax; How about an extra toaster oven? More tax. They may place all items they can live without on the street for anyone to pick up... IF these items aren't taken... one may go back out and get their own items back. Germans pay per minute, for their phone service, and that too is heavily taxed... Get your facts in order... I married a German, so don't even play that card, along with your prejudice!

Xuan Loc guy

Barbara Johnson

The President does not need to cave in on anything. What Congress is doing in this matter is no less than political blackmail. The Affordable Care Act is something that the majority voted on and should be honored. There is nothing wrong with every person in America having insurance. If you drive a car you have insurance, and it is not because we want to. So, how is that any different from if you breathe you should have insurance? Obama does care. A lesser man would not take the insults that he has faced. Can you say that about the disrepectful Congressional leaders? No you can't.

SFC Wilcox

Did you call the HOT LINE? The stories are atrocious... $590.00 a month (estimated) for one person with a preexisting problem... then $14,000 deductible (estimated)... Affordable? Not in the greatest economy. This isn't even the major problem... it's all the special interests that are being given special subsidies for their support and disinformation to those that will go for anything Democratic... Hell be damned... give the ignorant, illegal, and deviant anything for a vote.

Stephen Haffly

Passed by a majority? No! It was forced through the senate through the back-door of the reconciliation process instead of going through the proper means of getting the 60% majority vote it should have taken. The vote was during the time when the Democrats held a majority, but not a supermajority in both houses as well as having the President. Thus, the whole process of getting it passed is suspect at best, and unconstitutional at worst.
The situation is now changed, and the House has a majority of Republican members. Per our Constitution, all bills pertaining to the funding of the government originate in the House. It is perfectly proper for the House to see that this train-wreck is coming and to try to head it off by seeking to delay implementation for a year. Yet, the current President and the Senate majority leader will not even discuss this?
There is even more. Never, even during previous government shutdowns, has the National Mall and the open-air monuments been shut down and fenced off so that the American people would not be able to go to places that have traditionally and historically been open to the public 24/7. What is the difference? Chicago thug politics! The man who seems to have the motto that the buck stops somewhere else appears to have ordered that the shutdown be made as painful as possible to as many people as possible so that political pressure would be (he hoped) brought to bear on the Republican controlled House to cave in and pass a spending bill that does nothing to reduce the out-of-control federal deficit spending.
We veterans have been made into political pawns again. When one side (Republicans in the House) have called for negotiations and the other side (Democrat President and Senate) have refused to negotiate, where is the problem? Who is blackmailing? The side who has passed numerous bills to fund essential government functions or the side that is saying that unless we get everything our way, we will leave the government shut down, regardless of the impact on veterans and others who rely on various government programs and services?

Thomas G

SGM Larry Lane, USA, Ret

There are a lot of issues that need to be resolved now by the entire administration. You stated that the "majority" voted on Obama Care. Did you vote for it? No, the majority that voted for it was the Congress and Senate, not "We The People". Why would Senator Pelosi say "Let's pass it and then read it to fully understand it" ?? Because we the people are getting the shaft again. Have you had the opportunity to read the entire Health Reform Act (Obama Care)? No, I think not. There are a lot of hidden loop holes in this program that have not been made public for a lot of reasons that we are not supposed to know about. Plan on paying a lot more taxes in the coming years. Plan on our government being able to decide what medical treatment you will receive in your latter years of life. Plan on not receiving authorization for tests and screenings that our gov't feels is not necessary (mammograms for instance) unless you want to pay for them either out of pocket, or through additional health insurance that you need to pay for again out of pocket. If you really that sure that this is a good program, study the same program that countries like Canada and England are using. See what the waiting period is for operations that people need but are not receiving in a timely fashion because the gov't says you have to wait. Barbara, you are in for a very rude awakening along with the rest of this country. "WE THE PEOPLE" no longer run this country the way our forefathers put forth the Constitution and Bill of Rights. The people that WE elected do what they think is best. WE THE PEOPLE are the ones who should be voting on these bills such as Obama Care. We The People have lost our say in the way this country is being run, and how our government should work. I feel like we have reverted back in ages to the Roman Empire.

D.B. ('nam vet)

Bigjohn50

I have read enough of it to know what you say is 100% TRUE. There are so many hidden taxes and new laws you can not possibly believe it, that's why it was rammed thru before it could be read and understood.

SFC Wilcox

Thomas G

H.King

the people in congress and senate need to be fired and employ citizens who stand up for citizens of the U.S.. gentlemen of the senate and congress, I will put the word out in the street. fire all the so called politicians and put new citizens that would protect our way of life. you guys are ugly and they too should not get paid, and also congress and senate needs to receive maximum of $50k per year. I think each governor of each state should represent the people of the state and do away with congress and senate. let the governing body consist of governors of each state only. the current senate and congress receive pay and medical benefits. the 3 year term of service for benefits should be done away with. what gives these guys the right to decide what to spend and use for what ever. this is misrepresentation of the people for the people. I will hence forth express my feelings for the unjust being performed by the senate and congress. do away with them. we don't need them. let younger minds get into the action.. our system is broke, and the only way to fix it, is to fire them all and let governors run the country. this way people from each state can express their feelings and what they expect from citizens of the U.S.

Ken Ferrin

When fewer than 20% of congress has ever served our nation in uniform, do we really expect that they respect or care about us? These dirt bags care only about themselves and their perks. They made sure their pay would not be interrupted, and their self ordained health care is for the elite themselves - to hell with us. Vote everyone of these bastards out and start fresh. I have no use for egotists posing as our representatives while padding their pockets and we starve. Semper Fi.

SFC Wilcox

The Shot Heard 'Round the World...
Part TWO!
From the seed… properly nourished and tendered… a tree.
Put the wrong political party, or group, in “COMPLETE” POWER… you are left with a well turned toothpick.
This time VOTE for someone that LOVES and RESPECTS Americans, and AMERICA – Someone (male or female) with PROVEN Leadership, love for Americans, and a desire for “Natural Born” AMERICAN'S FIRST... Banks-Multinational Corporations - ILLEGALS - somewhere after…
The Prosperity of the Voting Public.
Or; Vote them ALL Out...
and keep doing so, until you get the right blend... make it...
“The Shot Heard 'Round the World... Part TWO!”

Stephen Haffly

Please re-read your copy of the US Constitution. We can't just do away with them. What we need to do is repeal the 16th amendment (Income Tax) and the 17th amendment (direct election of Senators) and get back to the original design of the Consitution. The Senators are supposed to represent the interest of their states. The federal government was always meant to have a limited set of enumerated powers with the greater authority residing with the states who had delegated that power via the Constitution to the federal government. We now have an imperial central government which has usurped the rights of the states and treats them like vassals. We have a President who seems to think he rules, not that he is the chief executive for the American people.
If you are saying that during the next election, we should work on replacing all incumbents with new Representatives and Senators who will reduce the scope of the federal government to its constitutional limits and replace the President with one who understands his place and will seek to administer the government in accordance with the Constitution he (or maybe she) has sworn to uphold, then I agree. Along with that is the judicial branch which needs judges who know and rule according to the Constitution, not in accordance with they wish the Constitution contained.
As Veterans we should become familiar with our Constitution and the form of our Republic. We are not a democracy. Our founding fathers did not want a democracy as they are inherently unstable. How can we "Uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States" if we don't know what it says? How can we "foster and perpetuate a one hundred percent Americanism" if not by learning what our Constitution is all about and then teaching others? Instead of calling on people to do away with the structure established by our Constitution, how about instead call on people to help get people elected who will respect and uphold the Constitution and serve the American people instead of establishing themselves as a political aristocracy?

TONY NAPPE

Ken Ferrin

When fewer than 20% of congress has ever served our nation in uniform, do we really expect that they respect or care about us? These dirt bags care only about themselves and their perks. They made sure their pay would not be interrupted, and their self ordained health care is for the elite themselves - to hell with us. Vote everyone of these bastards out and start fresh. I have no use for egotists posing as our representatives while padding their pockets and we starve. Semper Fi.

Ken Ferrin

When fewer than 20% of congress has ever served our nation in uniform, do we really expect that they respect or care about us? These dirt bags care only about themselves and their perks. They made sure their pay would not be interrupted, and their self ordained health care is for the elite themselves - to hell with us. Vote everyone of these bastards out and start fresh. I have no use for egotists posing as our representatives while padding their pockets and we starve. Semper Fi.

Jim Edwards

Not to be overly critical, but why was Secretary Eric Shinseki the sole witness testifying at the Oct. 9, House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs hearing? Did the American Legion have something else going on that day? I thought that is what our membership brought with it.

Loyal Stewart

Seated directly behind the Secretary were members of the American Legion as well as representatives of other key veteran organizations. He was the only person called to testify but rest assured he had up to date input from these other organizations. In my opinion Gen. Shinseki seems to be very open to input from all of the veteran service organizations.
Loyal Stewart
Post 136

Jim Edwards

Having served in the legislative process most of my working career, I understand the importance of the "people in the trenches" making their views known. It is so much more important than the Department heads. I keep getting mailings from the American Legion telling me how they are representing me and other Legion members in the halls of Congress. Providing input to a Department head (read Secretary) does not cut the mustard in my mind. It doesn't matter how much "up-to-date" information he has from our organization, we (the American Legion) did not testify.

Buzz Barrows

If the President and both house of congress had their pay and the pay for their employees stopped this stupid kids game of who and cause Amrica to fail first this would have been solved. Thye get paid and we retired military go into bankruptcy

David Jansing

Jim Curtis

Being a military retired veteran of 21 years,service-connected,with PTSD. If eliminate the G.I.s benefits!Just remember what the WW1 did when they camped out front of the White House over what was owed to them! it turned ugly! The WW2 Veterans broke the chain gate to get into their memorial! Are you all,who are the blame for your childish behavior,willing to face another Veterans Brigade Bevac Camp? And they maybe packing if the President calls out the National Guard! And they open fire on the Veterans! GET THE BUDGET PASSED before a war begins! Your ALL the BLAMED!

MARK LYONS

HOW IS IT THAT CONGRESS CAN PASS A BILL WITH NO IDEA ON HOW TO OR HOW MUCH TO APPROPRIATE FOR IT. THEN IN THE PROCESS SHUT DOWN THE GOVERNMENT CAUSING A NATIONAL ECONOMIC CRISIS TO NOT JUST THE GOVERNMENT BUT PRIVATE INDUSTRY AS WELL. IN ADDITION IT IS DANGEROUS TO THE NATIONAL SECURITY OF OUR COUNTRY, WHY ARE WE PLAYING WITH THESE PEOPLE. I FOR ONE PLAN ON SHOWING MY DISPLEASURE BY VOTING NAY TO ANY (ANY) MEMBER IN CONGRESS CURRENTLY BE THEM DEMOCRAT OR REPUBLICAN AT THE VOTING POLLS. DONT GET USE TO YOUR TITLE OF CONGRESSMAN OR SENATOR.

Mike Schnitski

I am a total and permanently 100% disabled veteran. If I don't get paid on 01NOV13, that will put me in a bind paying my bills. I can't afford late fees. I request that the President and members of Congress put aside their personal feelings and reach an agreement on the budget, before the cause our veterans any harm or further disservice. There should be no Democrat or Republican in Congress. only Americans working for the good of our country and its people.
Thank you